Cass Tech’s Mike Weber first PSL Proud Strong Learner of the Week twice in the same season

The objective of the Proud Strong Learner of the Week award is to recognize the accomplishments of as many Detroit Public School League boys and girls top athletes as possible.

Cass Tech’s Mike Weber is the first in the five-year history of the award to be named PSLer of the Week twice in the same season.

No other choice was conscionable after Weber ran for a MHSAA Division 1 state-playoff record 404 yards and scored five touchdowns in the Technicians’ 48-35 regional championship victory last Saturday against Clinton Township Chippewa Valley.

Playing his last home game on Cass Tech’s dirt field, Weber left an indelible footprint as one of the best running backs to ever play in the talent-rich PSL.

“The PSL has had a long history of great running backs, but right now in this period of time, I think Mike Weber is one of the best running backs we’ve ever had in the last 20-30 years,” Cass Tech coach Thomas Wilcher said. “He’s one of the best going back even 40 years ago.”

Weber scored on explosive bursts of 6, 50, 45, 76 and 44 yards and earned the highest of praise from the opposing head coach.

“You’re the best player in the state of Michigan,” said Chippewa Valley’s Scott Merchant, graciously congratulating the 5-10, 205-pound senior immediately after the game.

Weber has since been chosen U.S. Army All-American Player of the Week for his effort. He will play Jan. 3 in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

Weber has a verbal commitment to the University of Michigan but has said he plans to take visits to other schools. He now has 2,130 yards and 28 TDs for the season despite sitting out three games.

This is the third time he’s been chosen PSLer of the Week. He gained the honor Oct. 16 after rushing for 148 yards and two touchdowns in Cass Tech’s 25-15 victory against Mumford. He also was honored last season as a junior.

The only other PSLer of the Week to be named twice in the same school year was King’s Dennis Norfleet, currently a U of Michigan junior, who won the honor for football and basketball in 2011-12 and was ultimately chosen the Proud Strong Learner of the Year.

Weber’s record-setting performance led the unbeaten Technicians (12-0) to their fifth consecutive regional crown and state semifinal appearance. They will play Saline (11-1) at 1 p.m. Saturday at Troy Athens High School, with the winner advancing to the Division 1 state championship game on Thanksgiving weekend at Ford Field against the East Kentwood (11-1) vs. defending champion Clarkston (12-0) semifinal winner.

“We’re all riding that train, that Mike Weber train,” Wilcher said. “He did a great job. It was something we needed and it helped push us over the top. It helped the team do better because he made other people have to step up.”

The Detroit Public School League Proud Strong Learner of the Week award is representative of the league’s top boys’ and girls’ athletes. The award is presented by the DPS Office of Athletics and is sponsored by Detroit-area McDonald’s owner-operators.